THERAPIES

"TYSABRI® has made me incredibly optimistic about the future."
"Since beginning therapy with AVONEX®, it's been full speed ahead. I'm very fortunate."
"You can live successfully with this disease, especially when there are medications like RITUXAN®."

These comments from our patients make the long, complex, expensive process of drug development very rewarding for all of us.

Biogen Idec's history of innovation and commitment to patients makes a real difference in the lives of many people. When we introduced AVONEX®, multiple sclerosis was an "orphan" condition, largely ignored by drug companies. Now AVONEX brings effective treatment to many of the one million people worldwide who suffer from the disease, and it remains a leading treatment today.

Drawing on the expertise that led to AVONEX, Biogen Idec entered into a partnership with Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to develop and market TYSABRI®. When early-stage testing showed that TYSABRI was profoundly effective for many MS patients, Biogen Idec and Elan accelerated the process to get the drug to patients one year ahead of schedule. Although a small number of serious events led us to voluntarily withdraw TYSABRI and conduct an extensive safety review, Biogen Idec responded to the pleas of our patients and became only the second firm in history to have the FDA approve a withdrawn drug.

We assist patients in other ways as well. For example, we make it possible for many patients to get the drugs they need, even if they cannot afford them. We help patients work with their insurance companies to ensure proper coverage. We provide services to help newly diagnosed patients understand their diseases, and we work with patients and their caregivers to manage their conditions and obtain additional support.